High-tech aerospace and aeronautical vehicles face numerous hazards during missions, from pressure fluctuations to friction-based heat to extreme changes in temperature. These vehicles require a lasting, reliable thermal protection system (TPS) to endure such conditions and complete their mission successfully.
TPS shields use reflective coatings and insulative layers to shield sensitive materials and assemblies from extreme conditions. Some thermal shields are sacrificial, meaning they burn up (ablate) or degrade during use. However, there is a growing demand for Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLV) that can withstand multiple exposures to protect vehicles during reentry.
The right TPS system fixed to the exterior of your aircraft protects the people, cargo, and equipment inside from the effects of thermal exposure.
How Does a Thermal Protection System Work?
Thermal protection systems are a specialized form of exterior shielding built for the uniquely hazardous conditions that hypersonic vehicles face. Certain TPS solutions can protect ballistics as they leave and re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and can also protect hypersonic cruisers and aerospace vehicles.
Each solution will have different materials and coating options based on the expected environmental conditions and the desired longevity of your shield.
Passive. Passive systems include heat sinks that absorb extra heat and insulation to ward off short-term heat fluxes, as well as hot structures for moderate, long-lasting increases in temperature. With the right materials and designs, these systems can even withstand hypersonic and space re-entry applications.
Semi-Passive. Semi-passive systems circulate fluids to absorb unwanted heat and release it where it can’t cause damage. This is ideal for long-term and high-heat fluxes, as hypersonic and space reentry environments produce too much heat for them to work effectively.
Active. Active systems use the same principles of fluid-based heat movement to protect underlying layers of machinery or vehicles. However, the high heat and limited evaporative temperature of coolants make active systems unsuitable for extreme applications.
How Q Shield Beats Other Thermal Protection Systems
Q Shield is a premium thermal protection system from TexTech. Q Shield products offer a unique design to provide critical protection for space vehicles’ outer surfaces. Q Shield solutions insulate vehicles from high-heat temperature extremes during initial launch. They are also built to protect vehicles during reentry, which means vehicles can be safely reused for multiple missions.
Each Q Shield product has a base of high-performance thermal insulation, including a surface coating to resist high-temperature damage and protect the core insulation. We can build each Q Shield product with any of the following customizable factors:
Emissivity
Absorptivity
Electrical conductivity requirements
Thermal loads
Our pre-painted thermal coating is designed to outperform other TPS options in several key areas. The ablative coating applied to the surface of products during manufacturing reduces onsite labor costs, equipment requirements, and time demands. It doesn’t require a long cure recycle that can throw off launch schedules.
The TexTech team provides black and white surface coating options, as well as custom colors. Additionally, we can modify our proprietary polymer formulations to provide electrical conductivity per your static-dissipation requirements.
Q Shield solutions are reusable and can withstand launch and reentry, which allows for faster vehicle turnaround for future launches. Their reusability also allows for a smaller vehicle fleet, greater profitability from your fleet, and lower launch costs. Q Shield products are highly durable to ensure you get the full value of every spacecraft, hypersonic vehicle, and assembly.
Learn More About TPS From TexTech
TexTech is a leading provider of innovative TPS solutions. We offer a wide range of customization options so our clients have the products they need for each mission.
Highly complex assemblies in aerospace applications can face exposure to severe heat, intense cold, and sudden temperature changes, leading to costly (or dangerous) damage. These assemblies require specialized thermal protection systems (TPS) built for long-lasting, zero-failure applications.
The materials and structural components used in TPS systems are carefully designed and developed to protect critical components in spacecraft from conditions faced during a given mission.
Choosing the right type of TPS for each application can mean the difference between a successful mission and failure.
At Tex Tech, we create a wide range of Q Shield materials that can support various vehicle requirements and applications. Our TPS solutions include:
Coated high-temperature felts
Silica felts
Carbonized rayon fabrics for carbon cloth phenolic applications (e.g., re-entry heat shields, rocket nozzles)
TPS heat shields work as thermal insulators, protecting everything from space vehicles and missile payloads to aeronautic structures and surfaces from sudden exposure to heat. They can even help with aerodynamics, reducing the amount of stress the spacecraft experiences during flight.
Reusable TPS
Reusable TPS can protect vehicles during multiple reentries and work over extended periods. These materials are durable and optimized for weight and cost.
TPS for Hypersonic Flight
When flights go hypersonic or above Mach 5, they are exposed to powerful aerodynamic heat and force that can critically damage exterior surfaces and internal hardware. TPS shields can protect exterior surfaces and keep interior temperatures stable for operation.
TPS for Launch and Ascent
Aerospace vehicles and assemblies experience high heat during launch and ascent as well as reentry. The right TPS materials will protect payload fairings and other at-risk surfaces from exposure to high thermal loads.
Choosing the right material can be challenging. We’ve created a selection guide that includes varying Q Shield options and their performance data to help you select the perfect system for your needs. This data set shortens our customers’ design timelines and provides key metrics for modeling the different options.
Work With Tex Tech for High-Performing TPS Solutions
At Tex Tech Industries, we’re committed to realizing next-generation solutions by creating materials and fabrics our clients can trust. In addition to delivering high-quality TPS materials, we provide expert support to ensure our clients get the right solution for every mission.
The term thermal protection system (TPS) refers to various materials applied externally to the outer structural skin on an orbiter to maintain acceptable temperatures, especially for the reentry phase of a mission. Materials used for a TPS are selected for their high-temperature stability and weight efficiency.
Space vehicles that enter the earth’s atmosphere require thermal protection systems to protect them from aerodynamic heating. The TPS system used by space vehicles inhibits the conduction of heat on the interior of the vehicle by combining an underlying layer of thermal insulation with high-temperature resistant surface materials.
Friction with the atmosphere during re-entry produces extreme temperatures that require specialized shielding systems to protect space vehicles. In addition to heat, space vehicle thermal protection systems also shield systems and the airframe from the extremely cold conditions that occur during parts of orbit. A TPS is produced using the following materials:
Reinforced Carbon Carbon (RCC)
RCC is a strong all-carbon composite. It is light gray and able to withstand the aerodynamic forces of launch and re-entry, which reach up to 800 lbs per sq. ft.
Felt Reusable Surface Insulation (FRSI)
Felt Reusable Surface Insulation (FRSI) is a type of protective blanket material that shields orbiter surfaces from high temperatures. It protects surfaces from heat between 350 °F to 700 °F.
Reusable Surface Insulation Tiles
Space vehicle tiles come in two types: white for low-temperature applications, and black for high temperatures. High-temperature reusable surface insulation tiles utilize a black borosilicate glass coating that has an emittance value higher than 0.8. They protect areas of the vehicle which reach temperatures up to 2,300 °F.
Low-temperature reusable insulation tiles are coated in a white substance that contains the necessary optical properties to maintain on-orbit temperatures. These low-temperature reusable insulation tiles are placed on vehicle areas that have the potential to reach a maximum of 1,200 °F.
Tile Bonding
The bonding agent that attaches tiles to the vehicle surface is a type of silicone adhesive. Silicones are an ideal bonding agent for these types of applications. They retain excellent bond strength during the high temperatures of re-entry and are also flexible at the low temperatures experienced during orbit.
Legacy TPS Products
Legacy materials are often difficult to source due to low volumes, and lack of demand for years, or even decades. Tex Tech is the only US company that has re-created these types of products to NASA specs to provide exceedingly well characterized materials that orbital vehicle designers can utilize with confidence.
Infused Stabilized Ablative Insulation Felt
Our system replaces a traditional single use cork TPS with a higher performance multi-use composite system that relies on a fiber reinforcing structure to increase the erosion resistance. Tex Tech produces low temperature ablative systems using felts that have been stabilized with a high char yield silicone. This silicone can also be customized further to meet low out-gas requirements when needed.
Multi-layered Felt Hybrids (MLF)
MLF takes the concept of MLI (Multi-Layered Insulation) and adapts it for use with needle-punched hybrid structures rather than laminated films. Carbonizing Assembly may be used to fabricate unique precursor structures for C/C or C/SiC. Within this assembly a non-woven felt is sandwiched between two or more woven fabric layers. Once converted to C/C or C/SiC, the assembly becomes a highly insulating composite with high thermal stability.
Requirements of a Thermal Protection System
The amount of pressure and aerodynamic heating that occurs during launch and re-entry varies according to vehicle type, shape, and trajectory. To provide adequate protection, the following requirements must be met for all thermal protection systems.
Heat load. Regulating the flow of heat into and out of the vehicle is the main role of thermal protection systems. In most situations, a TPS is designed around the aerodynamic heating during a vehicle’s re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. The TPS system must be able to withstand high temperatures without excessive degradation of material properties.
Mechanic loads. Extreme aerodynamic pressure, as well as in-plane inertial, dynamic, and acoustic loads, are all mechanical loads on the TPS. The TPS must withstand these loads without failure.
Deflection limits. The TPS shapes the vehicle’s aerodynamic profile. Surface deflections of the TPS need to be below a certain limit to maintain this aerodynamic profile and prevent local overheating and system failure.
Impact loads. The TPS can be subjected to many types of impact during installation, launch, flight, and landing. Having adequate impact resistance is an important requirement of a TPS.
Chemical deterioration. High surface temperatures during re-entry make the TPS susceptible to oxidation. It may also be altered during maintenance.
Low-cost operability. A TPS will require maintenance throughout its life, in addition to the initial fabrication and installation costs. A TPS should be easily replaceable or repairable as well as designed to withstand a certain amount of damage without requiring immediate repair.
Lightweight. Due to the large amount of space that a TPS occupies, it makes up a majority of the launch weight. To prevent the need for increased fuel requirements, a TPS must be as lightweight as possible.
TPS Solutions from Tex Tech
Tex Tech Industries is proud to be an industry leader in high-performance textile manufacturing. Since 1904, we have been delivering the highest quality products available for the most challenging applications. Our expert research and development team and state-of-the-art facilities allow us to provide the high-performance textile solutions the aerospace industry demands. For more information about our advanced TPS solutions or our other textile products and services, please contact us or request a quote today.
The term thermal protection system (TPS) refers to various materials applied externally to the outer structural skin on an orbiter to maintain acceptable temperatures, especially for the reentry phase of a mission. Materials used for a TPS are selected for their high-temperature stability and weight efficiency.
Space vehicles that enter the earth’s atmosphere require thermal protection systems to protect them from aerodynamic heating. The TPS system used by space vehicles inhibits the conduction of heat on the interior of the vehicle by combining an underlying layer of thermal insulation with high-temperature resistant surface materials.
Thermal Protection System Materials
Friction with the atmosphere during re-entry produces extreme temperatures that require specialized shielding systems to protect space vehicles. In addition to heat, space vehicle thermal protection systems also shield systems and the airframe from the extremely cold conditions that occur during parts of orbit. A TPS is produced using the following materials:
Reinforced Carbon Carbon (RCC)
RCC is a strong all-carbon composite. It is light gray and able to withstand the aerodynamic forces of launch and re-entry, which reach up to 800 lbs per sq. ft.
Felt Reusable Surface Insulation (FRSI)
Felt Reusable Surface Insulation (FRSI) is a type of protective blanket material that shields orbiter surfaces from high temperatures. It protects surfaces from heat between 350 °F to 700 °F.
Reusable Surface Insulation Tiles
Space vehicle tiles come in two types: white for low-temperature applications, and black for high temperatures. High-temperature reusable surface insulation tiles utilize a black borosilicate glass coating that has an emittance value higher than 0.8. They protect areas of the vehicle which reach temperatures up to 2,300 °F.
Low-temperature reusable insulation tiles are coated in a white substance that contains the necessary optical properties to maintain on-orbit temperatures. These low-temperature reusable insulation tiles are placed on vehicle areas that have the potential to reach a maximum of 1,200 °F.
Tile Bonding
The bonding agent that attaches tiles to the vehicle surface is a type of silicone adhesive. Silicones are an ideal bonding agent for these types of applications. They retain excellent bond strength during the high temperatures of re-entry and are also flexible at the low temperatures experienced during orbit.
Legacy TPS Products
Legacy materials are often difficult to source due to low volumes, and lack of demand for years, or even decades. Tex Tech is the only US company that has re-created these types of products to NASA specs to provide exceedingly well characterized materials that orbital vehicle designers can utilize with confidence.
Infused Stabilized Ablative Insulation Felt
Our system replaces a traditional single use cork TPS with a higher performance multi-use composite system that relies on a fiber reinforcing structure to increase the erosion resistance. Tex Tech produces low temperature ablative systems using felts that have been stabilized with a high char yield silicone. This silicone can also be customized further to meet low out-gas requirements when needed.
Multi-layered Felt Hybrids (MLF)
MLF takes the concept of MLI (Multi-Layered Insulation) and adapts it for use with needle-punched hybrid structures rather than laminated films. Carbonizing Assembly may be used to fabricate unique precursor structures for C/C or C/SiC. Within this assembly a non-woven felt is sandwiched between two or more woven fabric layers. Once converted to C/C or C/SiC, the assembly becomes a highly insulating composite with high thermal stability.
Requirements of a Thermal Protection System
The amount of pressure and aerodynamic heating that occurs during launch and re-entry varies according to vehicle type, shape, and trajectory. To provide adequate protection, the following requirements must be met for all thermal protection systems.
Heat load. Regulating the flow of heat into and out of the vehicle is the main role of thermal protection systems. In most situations, a TPS is designed around the aerodynamic heating during a vehicle’s re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. The TPS system must be able to withstand high temperatures without excessive degradation of material properties.
Mechanic loads. Extreme aerodynamic pressure, as well as in-plane inertial, dynamic, and acoustic loads, are all mechanical loads on the TPS. The TPS must withstand these loads without failure.
Deflection limits. The TPS shapes the vehicle’s aerodynamic profile. Surface deflections of the TPS need to be below a certain limit to maintain this aerodynamic profile and prevent local overheating and system failure.
Impact loads. The TPS can be subjected to many types of impact during installation, launch, flight, and landing. Having adequate impact resistance is an important requirement of a TPS.
Chemical deterioration. High surface temperatures during re-entry make the TPS susceptible to oxidation. It may also be altered during maintenance.
Low-cost operability. A TPS will require maintenance throughout its life, in addition to the initial fabrication and installation costs. A TPS should be easily replaceable or repairable as well as designed to withstand a certain amount of damage without requiring immediate repair.
Lightweight. Due to the large amount of space that a TPS occupies, it makes up a majority of the launch weight. To prevent the need for increased fuel requirements, a TPS must be as lightweight as possible.
TPS Solutions from Tex Tech
Tex Tech Industries is proud to be an industry leader in high-performance textile manufacturing. Since 1904, we have been delivering the highest quality products available for the most challenging applications. Our expert research and development team and state-of-the-art facilities allow us to provide the high-performance textile solutions the aerospace industry demands. For more information about our advanced TPS solutions or our other textile products and services, please contact us or request a quote today.
Tex Tech Experts
Tex Tech Industries Inc. is a leading developer and supplier of high-performance materials globally, and we are committed to providing innovative solutions for each of our customers. We serve wide-ranging industries, including aerospace, protective apparel, automotive, law enforcement, coatings, filtration, 3D weaving, and high-performance materials. Contact us today to learn more about our offerings, or request a quote to get started.
Tile Bonding
MLF takes the concept of MLI (Multi-Layered Insulation) and adapts it for use with needle-punched hybrid structures rather than laminated films. Carbonizing Assembly may be used to fabricate unique precursor structures for C/C or C/SiC. Within this assembly a non-woven felt is sandwiched between two or more woven fabric layers. Once converted to C/C or C/SiC, the assembly becomes a highly insulating composite with high thermal stability. 
The amount of pressure and aerodynamic heating that occurs during launch and re-entry varies according to vehicle type, shape, and trajectory. To provide adequate protection, the following requirements must be met for all thermal protection systems.